Calls to block Frontier – Spirit Airlines merger
Lawmakers and consumer groups called on regulators to block the planned merger proposed by budget airlines Frontier and Spirit Airlines.
They say it will create the fifth-largest US airline and further erode competition.
Public Citizen, Fight for the Future, the American Economic Liberties Project and other groups wrote to the Transportation and Justice Departments saying the merger ‘would destroy competition in the only competitive market segment of the highly consolidated airline industry.’
“Travelers will pay higher prices for fewer and lower quality options, workers will lose their jobs, and smaller firms will be muscled out.”
Additionally, lawmakers including Senators Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders wrote to regulators about similar concerns.
“A Spirit-Frontier carrier could hurt consumers in numerous ways, consolidating market power for the airlines and reducing choices for travelers,” they wrote.
The Transportation Department said it would respond to the concerns.
The proposed merger would result in a new $6 billion business able to compete with the much larger legacy carriers.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser wants to see it blocked but for a different reason.
He said the airlines’ customer service is substandard and could get worse for customers if they merged.
“The prospect of this merger creates an immediate need for the USDOT to examine Frontier’s business practices to ensure both airlines have policies in place that comply with laws requiring carriers treat consumers fairly and honestly,” Weiser said.
Ray Monty
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists